Nissan Juke set for global launch

Juke technology includes torque-vectoring four-wheel drive, two injectors per cylinder, and a CVT with auxiliary gearbox.

Juke technology includes torque-vectoring four-wheel drive, two injectors per cylinder, and a CVT with auxiliary gearbox.

All design work was handled by Nissan's London, England, design studio. Juke will launch in U.S., Europe, and Japan.

Nissan unveiled two new B-segment cars at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show: the Juke, based on the Qazana concept shown at Geneva in 2009, and the new Micra. The Juke joins the growing number of small crossover models available with a four-wheel-drive option. Its all-wheel-drive system features torque-vectoring technology.

Three engines will be available including a new turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engine. Transmission options include five- and six-speed manual as well as two continuously variable (CVT) options, one with fixed ratio manual mode.

The Juke is based on a modified version of the Nissan/Renault Alliance B-platform that has been lengthened, widened, strengthened, and lightened, using a 2530-mm (99.6-in) wheelbase, with front and rear tracks widened to 1525 mm (60 in).

Suspension varies according to model. All variants use MacPherson struts at the front with a cradle-type front subframe to help add lateral stiffness. Two-wheel-drive models get a torsion-beam suspension at the rear, while four-wheel-drive versions use a multilink rear to accommodate the drive axle.

The torque-vectoring system for the all-wheel-drive model is designed to split the torque between the rear wheels as required. Up to 50% of total available engine torque can be sent to either rear wheel using electrically controlled couplings. Sensors measure a range of factors including wheel speed, steering angle, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration to anticipate the driver’s intentions and direct torque accordingly. A center differential can split front/rear torque 50/50.

Most Juke models will feature front-wheel drive. A single four-wheel-drive model will be powered by the new turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine driving through the Xtronic CVT gearbox, which permits the driver to opt for six fixed ratios.

The second gasoline engine is also a 1598-cm³ engine, a redeveloped variant of the normally aspirated Renault/Nissan HR family but featuring twin injectors per cylinder, which Nissan claims as a world first. The injectors have smaller nozzles to provide better atomization.

Other changes include a larger exhaust manifold, retuned intake manifold, twin variable valve timing, new pistons with integral oil jet cooling, and revised crowns. The result is a 6% increase in power to 117 PS (86 kW). Nissan claims a 3% increase in torque to 157 N·m (116 lb·ft) and a 5.6% reduction in fuel consumption.

Available only with two-wheel drive, the engine drives the front wheels through either a five-speed manual gearbox or a second CVT gearbox not available with the fixed-ratio option. The CVT gearbox is 10% shorter than before, 13% lighter, while Nissan claims to have reduced internal friction by 30%. Nissan also claims it is the only CVT with an auxiliary gearbox, permitting higher cruising ratios than before.

The sole diesel engine is based on the Renault/Nissan Alliance 1.5-L common-rail diesel rated at 110 PS (81 kW) at 4000 rpm and producing 240 N·m at 1750 rpm.

Juke was designed at Nissan’s London, England, design studio and will be built at the Sunderland plant in the U.K., as well as Japan. It is due on sale in the second half of 2010 in Europe, Japan, and the U.S.